Titans Roster Cuts Include RB Bishop Sankey and WR Justin Hunter

The Titans have released linebacker J.R. Tavai as they begin trimming the roster to 53 players. Jason Wolf and John Glennon of the Tennessean report.

The Titans must reduce their roster from 75 to 53 players by 3 p.m. Saturday, and a couple of notable names are on the bubble, none bigger than former second-round draft picks Justin Hunter and Bishop Sankey.

Hunter, the former University of Tennessee wide receiver, has not recorded 30 catches or 500 yards in any of his first three seasons since being drafted 34th overall in 2013. He played the bulk of the Titans’ 21-10 victory in the preseason finale against the Dolphins on Thursday night, finishing with three catches on five targets for 27 yards.

“I’m really at peace,” Hunter said. “I feel like I did good this camp, this preseason, so whatever happens happens. I’m not going to be mad about something if something doesn’t go my way or anything like that. But I’m hoping for the best. I can’t do nothing but wait. I feel like I still got to study plays, just in case I do make it or whatnot. But I’m just going to be chilling with my kids.”

Sankey, the first running back drafted in 2014, with the 54th overall pick, fell out of favor with the coaching staff last season and is buried on the depth chart behind DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry, Dexter McCluster and apparently Antonio Andrews. He didn’t touch the ball until the second half Thursday and finished with 25 yards on eight carries. Sankey didn’t receive a carry in the previous game against the Raiders.

Earlier in the week, Sankey said he believed he still had the ability to be a starting running back in the NFL.

“Oh, yeah. Definitely. Definitely. Without a doubt,” he said. “I believe that about myself.”